A walk in the park in Birdhill
Since it was developed almost two decades ago from a spare piece of ground, which had been lying idle for some time, the Community Park at Birdhill has matured into a mecca of design in landscaping.
The spacious park, beside the village, combines to provide an ecological, educational and recreational amenity for both the local community and the visitor, which is unequalled in the area.
Maturing trees of multiple species are intertwined with an enormous collection of shrubs and flowers, a pond featuring water plants, and a historical and educational theme throughout.
The detailed name signs incorporate information on the species and history at various points throughout the pathways and walks that meander through the park, all of which have been added in a phased manner of development over the past two decades.
A further stage in the Birdhill Community Park Development has now been announced by Birdhill Tidy Village Committee, the local group of volunteers for whom the park has become a pride of place for various outdoor gatherings and events.
To further enhance the amenity, by making it more accessible for wheelchairs, prams and buggies and more attractive to all visitors, it is now proposed to lay a tarmac surface on all the paths throughout the park during the coming weeks.
With current restrictions making it impossible for the committee to organise any functions or events, they have had to look at other ways of raising the support funding necessary to meet the local contribution towards the proposed grant aided development by the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Town & Village Renewal Scheme.
A week ago they launched the opportunity for the community, local businesses in the wider catchment area, and visitors and the many admirers to make contributions towards the project through a GoFundMe page targeted to raise €5,000.
Within the first week more than half the required target has been committed to the work and the campaign page remains open at https://gofund.me/373800de to make a donation.
Support of the project can also be made by a direct contribution to any member of Birdhill Tidy Towns Committee, who earnestly request support for this very worthwhile community initiative.
At the same time, the park’s role in the preservation and promotion of nature and biodiversity will continue to be maintained. Since it opened in 2003, Birdhill Community Park has hosted many events and visitors throughout the years, none more so than the visit of Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins to present the National Tidy Towns Overall Award Plaque in 2018.
More recently, the addition of an autism-friendly play area has added considerably to its appeal.
The facilities at the Park have been provided, developed and maintained by the local community, with generous assistance from Tipperary County Council.
The committee underline that support will be greatly appreciated and will help to further enhance the facilities in Birdhill for all age groups to enjoy for the years to come.